The MLB Communications team recently took to social media to celebrate the league’s strong ratings to open the 2025 season. Viewership is rising both in the United States and abroad, thanks in large part to Shohei Ohtani. The two-way superstar continues to be a global draw, especially in Japan, where MLB ratings are on track for a record-setting year.
Ohtani’s presence not only drives international numbers, but he’s also a major reason the Los Angeles Dodgers are seeing a boost in their local broadcast value. His popularity clearly plays a role in the league’s overall media success.
Shohei Ohtani’s Impact on MLB’s Ratings in Japan
As ratings climb across platforms, one of the key highlights shared by MLB’s social team was the performance of NHK in Japan. MLB’s official X account noted that NHK, Japan’s national public broadcaster, is on pace for its best MLB season ever.
Viewership for @MLB is up double digits in the U.S., Japan and streaming with @espn having its best start in eight years, @TBSNetwork having its best-ever start on Tuesdays, and NHK in Japan and @MLBTV on pace for its best seasons ever. pic.twitter.com/7BPxEYmfuJ
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) June 3, 2025
The graphic shared featured Ohtani front and center, signaling just how important he is to the league’s growth in Asia.
FOX Sees Boost To Begin the Year
FOX, home of the World Series, is also seeing strong gains. Ratings are up 10% compared to last season. The network kicked off its coverage with a New York Yankees vs. Milwaukee Brewers game that featured the return of Joe Buck on the call. While Buck won’t be a regular voice on FOX’s MLB broadcasts, his one-game return brought extra attention.
Recently, FOX aired a highly anticipated World Series rematch between the Yankees and the Dodgers. Matchups like that continue to drive national interest and boost the network’s overall numbers.
MLB Network Showcase Sees Strong Growth
MLB Network, which launched in 2009, continues to be a central hub for baseball fans. Its flagship “MLB Network Showcase” games are up 13% year-over-year. The rise in viewership is likely due in part to a smaller audience base, which makes growth percentages easier to hit. Still, the increase is a good sign for a network that often features in-depth baseball content not available elsewhere.
TBS Off to Historic Start
TBS is having its best-ever start to an MLB season. The network continues to broadcast a game every Tuesday night, with Brian Anderson handling play-by-play duties. TBS is scheduled to air 24 games this season, marking its 52nd year covering Major League Baseball.
ESPN and NHK Both Trending Up
ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball” remains a cornerstone of the league’s national broadcast schedule. The network is coming off a major series featuring the Yankees and Dodgers, and so far it’s having its best start in eight years.
MORE: Dodgers vs. Yankees Sets ESPN Sunday Night Baseball Record
Meanwhile, NHK in Japan is trending toward its best season ever. The channel has seen a 22% year-over-year increase in viewership. That spike is largely tied to Ohtani, who continues to attract massive attention in Japan.
He’s also opened the door for more Japanese players to make their mark in MLB, which is helping the league grow overseas. As noted in a recent PFSN article, Ohtani has become a symbol of pride for fans in Japan and a key figure in growing the game globally.
MLB.TV Leads the Pack
Finally, MLB.TV has posted the biggest growth of all platforms, with a 27% jump in viewership. The subscription-based streaming service allows fans to watch nearly every game not subject to local blackouts, and it also includes select minor league games. As fans continue cutting the cord, MLB.TV is becoming more essential for watching baseball anywhere, anytime.
Strong Start Bodes Well for League’s Future
The 2025 season is off to a promising start across all media platforms. With increased viewership in the U.S. and a major rise in Japan, MLB is showing signs of healthy growth. Shohei Ohtani remains a key part of that story, driving both local and international attention. If these trends hold, the league will be in a great position to build on its momentum and expand even further in the years ahead.